Apparatus and method for measurement for dynamic laser signals

ABSTRACT

A system contains a laser output measurement circuit used in a laser control system ( 210 ). The circuits contain a photodiode ( 109 ), sample and hold amplifier ( 202 ), IC with synchronizer and delay circuits ( 206 ), and an analog to digital converter ( 204 ). The circuits measure the laser light output ( 107 ) while the laser Module ( 106 ) transmits signals. The measurement circuit tracks and stores the laser light output ( 107 ) signal using a Photodiode Sensor ( 109 ) and with a Sample/hold ( 202 ). The methods calculate the value of the laser light output ( 107 ) from mathematical relationships, which correlate the light output ( 107 ) of the laser Module ( 106 ) to the current value of the drive signal ( 100 ). Some of the distinguishing features in the present invention are 1) feedback information from the photodiode is obtained in a synchronous manner as a snapshot of the laser performance, and 2) the measurements are precise and calibrated, and 3) no disruption of the signal transmission occurs.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/346,728 entitled “Continuous Laser Performance Compensation,” filed Jan. 8, 2002.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a circuit and method used to calibrate and compensate for laser performance in systems such as an optical communications links, medical diagnostic systems and any other system utilizing lasers. Performance compensation is achieved in a non-invasive manner without disruption of the laser signal transmission or other operating parameters of the laser.

2. Description of the Related Art

Market trends demand increased levels of reliability and intelligence in laser systems.

Particularly, in laser signal transmission there is the need to send information with reliable optical power signals. Reliability requires the transmitted signals to maintain a given signal strength as well as other performance parameters. Lasers undergo degradation due to aging, temperature changes, and other effects. This degradation causes the signal strength to be reduced resulting in a decrease of signal-to-noise ratio, extinction ratio and an increased Bit Error Rate.

Prior art has utilized either analog controllers or mixed analog/digital controllers as opposed to the Digital Controller (111) shown in FIG. 1 below in the detailed description.

Challenges with the Measurement process.

In order to properly control the laser Module (106), the Digital Controller (111) requires feedback information from light output (107). When the control system is operational, obtaining feedback information becomes problematic since the light output (107) constantly changes depending on the Drive Signal (100) the system is transmitting. Thus any attempts to measure the light output (107) will encounter errors, which can render the feedback information unusable.

To perform a measurement of the light output (107), the Drive Signal (100) needs to be maintained at a fixed power level in order for the system to produce a steady value of the Light Output (107) so that calibration adjustments can be made. This procedure disrupts the signal transmission and, because of this, the transmitter cannot send information over the optical communications channel while the calibration is carried out. Disruption in communication is contrary to the goals of high reliability and 100% up time in present systems.

If the Photodiode Sensor (109) is slow relative to the Laser Module (106), once the system is transmitting information, the Photodiode Sensor (109) cannot be effectively utilized to calibrate the amplitude of the Light Output (107) because the sensor may have a slower response than the laser. The Photodiode Sensor (109) operates as a band-limiting filter converting the response to a variety of waveforms as follows:

-   -   An exponential rise and decay of the Photodiode Sensor (109)         output is produced for a serial stream of the Drive Signal (100)         comprised of all ones. For this data sequence, the average of         the Photodiode Sensor (109) will exhibit the highest value;     -   A Photodiode Sensor (109) output with an average value close to         zero volts will be obtained for a serial stream of the Drive         Signal (100) comprised of all zeros;     -   The output of the Photodiode Sensor (109) will exhibit an         average voltage value, which will between the maximum and         minimum values described above depending on a generic sequence         of date with mixed values of ones and zeros.

To carry out a power measurement of the light output (107), the prior art has utilized a variety of methods. In one method the process has been as follows.

-   -   The digital input Drive Signal (100) is disconnected and a peak         value of analog current from the Modulation Current Generator         (103) is applied to the laser;     -   The Light Output (107) is measured with an optical power meter.     -   The Photodiode Sensor (109) generates a corresponding signal         proportional to the light output;     -   Adjustments are made in the Controller (111) in order to         increase the magnitude of the optical power coming out of the         laser to the desired level;     -   The adjustments in the Controller (111) affect the Bias Current         Generator (102) and Modulation Current Generator (103), which in         turn affect the Light Output (107) of the Laser Module (106);

This approach has the disadvantage of requiring disconnection of the laser control system (114). Disconnection in many systems, such as communications equipment, is not acceptable.

The process for another possible solution previously used is as follows:

-   -   Produce a circuit to synthesize a high frequency calibration         signal;     -   Inject the calibration signal into the node between the         Modulation Current Generator (103) and the laser module (106);     -   Sense the calibration signal with the Photodiode Sensor (109);     -   Add a special filter circuit between the photodiode sensor (109)         and the Digital Controller (111);     -   Detect the magnitude of the calibration signal with the Digital         Controller (111).

The problem with this solution is that it affects the information transmitted. This prior art solution has a significant impact on the reliability of information transmission because it essentially inserts noise into the transmitted signal. Furthermore this approach increases complexity and cost due to an additional calibration signal generator, a calibration signal injection circuit, plus filter and detection circuits.

Because of errors in power measurement, transmission systems in prior art generally overdrive the laser to account for variations of temperature, aging and other effects. This approach significantly reduces the life of the laser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a circuit and a method for calibrating the Light Output (107) of the laser without affecting the data transmission. This is consistent with goals of high reliability because at no time is the data transmission disrupted.

The present system contains a laser output measurement circuit used in a laser control system (114). The circuits contain a photodiode sensor (200), sample and hold amplifier (202), IC with synchronizer and delay circuits (206), and an analog to digital converter (204). The circuits measure the laser light output (107) while the laser Module (106) transmits signals. The measurement circuit tracks and stores the laser light output (107) signal using a Photodiode Sensor (109) and with a Sample/hold (202). The methods calculate the value of the laser light output (107) from mathematical relationships, which correlate the light output (107) of the laser Module (106) to the current value of the drive signal (100). Some of the distinguishing features in the present invention are 1) feedback information from the photodiode is obtained in a synchronous manner as a snapshot of the laser performance, and 2) the measurements are precise and calibrated, and 3) no disruption of the signal transmission occurs.

An advantage of this invention is that laser power amplitude can be calibrated without interrupting the flow of information transmission.

Another advantage of this invention is that the system can utilize multiple types of output responses from the Photodiode Sensor with the utilization of the appropriate correlation algorithm.

Another advantage of this invention is that the transmitter optical power can be continuously maintained at the optimal value to achieve the target Extinction Ratio, Bit Error Rate and analog signal level.

Another advantage of this invention is that the laser can be compensated for degradation due to aging.

Yet another advantage of this invention is that adjustments to account for temperature changes, aging and other effects are done only as needed and by the amount needed. This contributes to extending the life of the laser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Details of the invention, and of the preferred embodiment thereof, will be further understood upon reference to the drawings, wherein closely related elements have the same number but different alphabetical suffixes, and further wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a control system diagram for a laser transmitter. This control system shows a configuration presented in previous applications of the same inventor.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of the Output Signal Sampler.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the Output Signal Sampler.

FIG. 4 illustrates the timing diagram for the calibration process.

FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit, which can be used to facilitate field calibration FIG. 6 illustrates the power measurement calibration.

FIG. 7 illustrates the factory calibration of the sensor circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The above-mentioned difficulties and problems of the prior art are overcome by the present invention.

Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown for a Laser Control System (114). The system consists of a drive Signal Input (100) applied to a Laser Module Driver (101), which contains a Bias Current Generator (102) and a Modulation Current Generator (103). A Bias Control Signal (112) and a Modulation Control Signal (113) control the current generators. The Driver (101) produces Modulation Current (104) and Bias Current (105) that are applied to the Laser Module (106). The Laser Module (106) in turn produces Light Output (107). The magnitude of the Light Output (107) bears a relationship to the magnitude of the Modulation Current (104) and the Bias Current (105). A portion of the Light Output (107) from the laser is sensed. This portion constitutes the Optical Power Sense (108), which is coupled to a Photodiode Sensor (109). The Photodiode Sensor Output (110) is connected to a Digital Controller (111). The Digital Controller (111) contains algorithms for laser control and also determines the magnitudes of the Bias Current Generator (102) and Modulation Current (103).

FIG. 2 shows the output signal sampler apparatus of this invention. This consists of a Photodiode Sensor (109), which generates a Photodiode Signal (201) in response to the application of a portion of the Laser Light Output (107). The Photodiode Output may be a fast response or an exponential rise and decay signal. The Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) receives the Photodiode Sensor Signal (201) and stores the value of the signal at the appropriate time as directed by the Sample and Hold Control (205). Once the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) has stored the signal, it is sent to the Analog to Digital Converter (204), which is contained in the Digital Controller (111). The Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) is connected to the Analog to Digital Converter (204).

The Sample and Hold Control (205) is produced by the Synchronizer and Delay Circuits (206). These circuits utilize real-time information of the state of the Drive Signal (100), which connects to the Drive Signal (100) at (208) in order to determine when the Sample and Hold Control (205) is activated The Synchronizer and Delay Circuits (206) are controlled by the Digital Controller (111) with the necessary Logic Output (207). The Digital Controller (111) contains algorithms that are capable of utilizing a multiplicity of Photodiode Sensor information including an exponential rise and decay, a square wave response, and an average signal output. The algorithms utilize information related to the sequence of values of the Drive Signal (100) input and correlate those values to the magnitude of the Photodiode Sensor (109) output. In addition, the controller can then make adjustments to the Bias Current (105) and Modulation Current (104), in order to optimize the extinction ratio and the Bit Error Rate.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the Output Signal Sampler in this invention. The Drive Signal (100) applied to the Driver (103) produces a Light Output (107). A portion of the optical power is coupled to the Photodiode Sensor (109). The Photodiode Sensor (109) produces a current, which is converted to a voltage by the Transimpedance Amplifier (301). This voltage drives the Sample and Hold Amplifier (302), which in turn produces a steady sample of the sensor signal at (304) to the Analog to Digital Converter (304). The Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) stores the sensor information in a Capacitor C_(H) (316). The capacitor is chosen so that the capturing of the sensor signal is done at high speed while at the same time the capacitor maintains the value of the captured sensor signal during the analog to digital conversion. In general, for optical telecommunications, the capacitor may need to be relatively small in the tens of picofarads in order for the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) to successfully track the sensor signal. The Transimpedance Amplifier (301) and the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) are designed in such a way that they will be substantially faster then the Photodiode Sensor (109) in order to insure that the Photodiode Sensor (109) determines the frequency response. A critical feature of the present invention is the appropriate timing of the Sample and Hold Control (205). This control must be able to capture the Photodiode Sensor (109) signal at a predictable time in order to anticipate the state of the Drive Signal (100) and the Light Output (107). The timing synchronization circuit determines this. This circuit starts by sampling the Drive Signal (100) at (315). This is done with the use of a Buffer (314) in order to avoid a significant load on the Drive Signal (100). The output of the Buffer (314) is sent to a set of n signal propagation delays. These delays consist of Delay 1 (312) to Delay n (313). These delays connect to Digital Multiplexer (309) through Inputs (310) to (311). The Digital Controller utilizes the Input Select (308) of the Digital Multiplexer (309) in order to select any of the n signal propagation delays. A zero to one transmission of the Drive Signal (100) will cause, after a time delay, a zero to one transition at the Set Input (307) of the Set Reset Latch (305). This transition in turn causes a zero to one transition of the Sample and Hold Control (205), which places the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) in hold mode in order to prepare the system for an analog to digital conversion After the analog to digital conversion is completed the Set Reset Latch (305), is placed in reset mode by the Reset Signal (306) generated by the Digital Controller (111). This last step will then place the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) in sample mode so that the system can be ready for the next calibration cycle.

FIG. 3 shows the propagation delays associated with the Output Signal Sampler. The following definitions apply:

t₁=Buffer (314) input to output propagation delay

t₂=Selected propagation delay.

t₃=Digital Multiplexer (309) propagation delay.

t₄=Set input to Output propagation delay for Set Reset Latch (305).

t₅=Propagation delay from Sample and Hold Control S/H (408) input to the opening of the internal switch in the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202).

t_(Drive)(414)=Propagation delay across the Driver (103)+time for the Laser (106) to switch logic state

t_(Sense)(406)=Time for the Photodiode Sensor (109) to respond+time for the Transimpedance Amplifier (301) to respond

t_(Capture)(414)=Time for the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) to track the photodiode sensor signal. t _(Synch)(415)=t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ +t ₄ +t ₅  Equation 1.

In order to maximize Vpeak (407), the following equation must be satisfied: t _(Synch)(415)=t _(Drive)(414)+t _(Sense)(406)+t _(Capture)(414)  Equation 2.

When the S/H (408) is in hold mode after the transition at 409, the Analog to Digital Converter (204) performs an analog to digital conversion, which will last for a period of time t_(A/D) (412). The duration of the analog to digital conversion can be relatively slow as required by the Analog to Digital Converter (204). At the end of the conversion, the Digital Controller (111) will cause the S/H (408) signal to experience a Reset (412) transition to the sample mode with the use of the Reset Control (306). The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may utilize MOS technology components for a given data rate of transmission. Synchronization of the timing characteristics and delays as indicated by Equation 2 can be best achieved by including the Signal Sampler circuits of FIG. 3 in the same integrated circuit as the Driver (103). If a single integrated circuit is not available, then the Signal Sampler circuits must be implemented with the appropriate technology in order to match the speed requirements of the propagation delays associated with the laser Driver (103). Very fast Silicon Germanium and other technologies are available. In some applications, fine-tuning and modifications of the embodiment of FIG. 3 will be necessary to keep up with fast transmission rates. In these cases the same principles of the invention will apply and the task will consist of selecting the appropriate configuration of high-speed components.

FIG. 4 shows the timing of the in line calibration of the laser optical power. As a reference to the timing of the system consider the system clock that is utilized by the transponder. This is the clock CLK (400). The clock (400) is utilized in the system to generate Serial Data Di (401). In this example the Serial Data Di (401) consists of the sequence 101. The data transmission of the timing diagram in the illustration corresponds to NRZ-L. After the zero to one transition of the Serial Data Di at (402), the data flows through the Driver (103) and causes a zero to one transition in Laser Optical Power P_(L)(403). This transition of the Laser Optical Power (403) happens after a delay t_(Drive) (413), corresponding to the delay of the signal flowing through the Driver (103) and the Laser (106). A given setting of the Bias Current Generator (102) places the Laser (106) slightly above the threshold. This setting can be adjusted and controller independently from the signal modulation current For the purpose of calibrating the Light Output (107) focus on the control of the Modulation Current Generator (103). For the pulse of the Serial Data Di (401), there is a corresponding amplitude of the Laser Optical Power Output P_(L) (403). The magnitude of the optical power is noted as Pmax (404). The laser optical power corresponding to the transmission of a logical 1 will vary depending on the setting of the Modulation Current Generator (103), the Laser (106) characteristics and the effects of factors such as temperature and aging on the Laser (106). The Photodiode Sample Hold Response V_(PS) (405) will start sensing the Laser (106) output after a delay of t_(sense) (406). The Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) will start increasing its voltage in an exponential manner reaching a maximum value Vpeak (407). High frequency models have been determined that demonstrate how the combination of amplifiers and Photodiode Sensor (109) can respond with an exponential rise and decay characteristic. Associated circuit components such as resistors and capacitors can be utilized to ensure there is a dominant pole response resulting in a controlled exponential characteristic without signal ringing. There can be high performance circuit implementations of the laser sensor circuits where the Photodiode sensor (109), Transimpedance Amplifier (301) and Sample and Hold Amplifier (202) exhibit a response with a bandwidth fast enough to keep up with the laser bandwidth. In this case, a rather fast rise and fall signal will result rather than the exponential rise and decay. The exponential rise and decay characteristic is illustrated here because it is fairly common for laser packages to be available with an integrated low-cost monitoring photodiode. These integrated packages normally have a monitoring photodiode that exhibits a slow frequency response.

After a delay of t_(Synch) (415) from the zero to one transition of the Serial Data Di (401), the Sample and Hold Control S/H (408) will experience a transition from Sample (410) mode to Hold (411) mode at 409. Transition at this point in time ensures that it is possible to capture the maximum possible value of Vpeak (407). This will produce a higher resolution in our measurement system.

Method of Operation

Signal strength optimization of the Laser power sensor.

The Digital Controller (111), upon power up goes through an initialization process. Part of the initialization routine consists of a process used to optimize the sensor signal. The objective of the process is to maximize the value of Vpeak (407). Maximizing the value of Vpeak increases the resolution and accuracy of the laser power measurement system.

This is accomplished with an iterative process where the Digital Controller (111) will automatically select the timing delays one at a time and determine which produces the highest value of the Vpeak (407). This process can be carried out during the factory test of the transmitter. The needed value of the timing delay is then stored in the internal memory of the Digital Controller (111) so it can be used in the field. The process can also be carried out in the field with an addition to the circuit of FIG. 3.

This is illustrated in FIG. 5. The Controller (111) uses Switch Controls (502, 503) to control the switches S1 (500) and S2 (501). When Switch S1 (500) is opened, the Drive Signal (100) is disconnected. At the same time, the switch S2 (501) can be closed. This allows the Controller (111) to place a train of pulses into the Driver (103) in order to calibrate the timing of the Output Signal Sampler and to calibrate the Extinction Ratio.

Power sensor measurement calibration.

To carry out continuous laser performance compensation, this invention relies on correlating the photodiode sensor signal with the pattern of information transmitted over the optical communications link. By capturing and storing the data pattern information and the corresponding sensor signal, the controller (111) can compute the correlation algorithms. Many algorithms that can accommodate multiple system responses are possible. One example of the correlation is as follows. Consider the exponential rise and decay of the Photodiode Sample Hold Response (405). The Digital Controller (111) can allow the charge stored in the capacitor C_(H) (316) to decay to zero volts prior to sampling the Laser power output response. The response of the Signal Sampler in FIG. 3 will be governed by the following equations:

Exponential Rise V(t)=V _(m)(1−e ^(−t/RC))  Equation 3.

Where V_(m) represents the asymptotic maximum value of the exponential rise response, R and C are the equivalent circuit constants and V(t) is the voltage at the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202).

Exponential Decay V(t)V _(p) e ^(−t/RC)  Equation 4.

Where V_(p) represents the maximum value attained during the exponential rise response as determined by the circuit parameters and the data rate of transmission, R and C are the equivalent circuit constants and V(t) is the voltage at the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202).

FIG. 6 shows the power measurement calibration. The following definitions apply:

P_(PH1)(600)=Laser power pulse received at the photodiode for a given setting of laser power output. This is proportional to the pulse of power that the laser emits in response to the logic one transmission.

P_(PHMax1) (604)=Maximum value of Laser power pulse received at the photodiode. The magnitude of the photodiode power is determined by the Driver (103), Laser (106) and the amount of light coupled from the laser to the photodiode.

V1(t)(601)=Time dependent response of the photodiode(109) output, the Transimpedance Amplifier (301) and the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202). This response is the corresponding response to P_(PH1) (600).

Vm1 (606)=Asymptotic value of the exponential response for V1(t) (601). This is proportional to P_(PHMax1)(604). The proportionality constant is the Responsivity of the photodiode.

Vpeak1 (605)=Peak value of exponential response corresponding to the end of the pulse for the transmission of a logic one.

Similarly, for a different set of conditions, the laser will emit a pulse with a different level of power magnitude. The following definitions apply:

P_(PH2) (602)=Laser power pulse received at the photodiode for a second setting of laser power output.

P_(PHMax2) (607)=Maximum value of Laser power pulse received at the photodiode.

V2(t)(603)=Time dependent response of the photodiode(109) output, the Transimpedance Amplifier (301) and the Sample and Hold Amplifier (202). This response is the corresponding response to P_(PH2) (602).

Vm2 (609)=Asymptotic value of the exponential response for V2(t) (603). This is proportional to P_(PHMax2) (607). The proportionality constant is the Responsivity of the photodiode.

Vpeak2 (608) Peak value of exponential response corresponding to the end of the pulse for the transmission of a logic one.

Focusing now on the corresponding equations the following relationships are obtained: Vpeak1=V _(m1)(1−e ^(−T1/R1C1))  Equation 5. Vpeak2=V _(m2)(1−e ^(−T1/R1C1))  Equation 6.

Where t has been submitted by T1 for a given value of period for a logic one transmission, in this case a constant. R1 and C1 correspondingly have substituted R, C since for a given circuit, the parameters are constant.

In general, equations 5 and 6 show how once the period and the circuit RC parameters are fixed, the quantity (1−e^(−T1/R1C1)) becomes a constant and the peak values of the exponential rise are dependent only on the asymptotic values of the photodiode response. The asymptotic values bear a linear relationship to the laser output power. In this case additional calibration processes need to be considered, which will control second order effects of the laser and photodiode transfer function such as temperature effects.

It is then concluded that the Vpeak (407) of the exponential rise and decay of the photodiode sensing circuits will vary linearly would respect to the maximum amplitude Pmax (404) of the Laser Optical Power Output (403).

Factory or field calibration of the sensor circuit is shown in FIG. 7.

The amplitude of the sensor signal is first maximized. At 700 apply a continuous stream of all 1's to the data input. At 701, while maintaining the stream of all 1's, sequence Signal Sampler delays 312 to 313. The delay that produces the strongest signal is chosen. At 702, apply a continuous stream of all 0's. At 703, measure the value of the laser power with an optical power meter. Also an A/D conversion to measure the baseline sensor signal for a zero transmission is performed. At 704, then apply a stream of all 1's. At 705, while measuring power with optical power meter, continuously adjust magnitude of laser power by controlling the Modulation Current Generator (103) until the maximum possible value of the laser power output is reached. The corresponding sensor output is measured and stored in the Digital Controller (111).

The above calibration process can be modified for some applications if the process yield characteristics of the laser are understood. In that case, the sensor can still be calibrated but the process does not rely on the Optical Power Meter to determine how much power the laser puts out for all 1's and all 0's. Instead, process parameters can be used to coarsely determine the output power for a given setting of the Modulation Current Generator (103).

During normal operation, a linear interpolation of the values of the sensor between the all 0's value and the all 1's value will determine the measured laser power output. These measured values of power output are then utilized to optimize performance on a continuous manner while the system is operational.

Extinction Ratio and Bit Error Rate Optimization.

The methods are related to ensuring the optimal value of extinction Ratio and minimal Bit Error Rate. The firmware imbedded in the Digital Controller (111) utilizes the results from the A/D conversion of the sensor and proceeds to make adjustments to the amplitude of the peak laser power in response to the logic high sent. The laser power for logic high needs to send a signal with a sufficiently large value according to the transmission protocol. With the precision power measurement circuit of this invention, the laser is not overdriven thus extending operating life. The Digital controller (111) makes adjustments to the minimal optical power in response to the logic low sent and. The minimal optical power is determined by the Bias Current Generator (102) and is adjusted above the threshold of the laser. The current needs to strike a balance between having too low of a value (needed to maximize extinction ratio) or too high of a value (needed to obtain a margin over the lasing threshold and to not operate over the noisy region of the laser near the threshold). Since the above adjustments are performed in a continuous manner, the laser is always operated at the optimal levels of power output.

REMARKS AND COMMENTS ON SOME ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

-   -   1. A circuit that precisely calibrates the laser optical power         in a continuous manner without disrupting the flow of         information in the optical communications link.     -   2. A method that utilizes knowledge of the measured value of the         laser optical power and makes necessary adjustments to optimize         the values of the Extinction Ratio and Bit Error Rate.     -   3. A circuit that can utilize any type of response from the         sensing photodiode.     -   4. A method that utilizes knowledge of the information sent to         the optical communications link to determine how the laser         should be performing.     -   5. A circuit and method utilized to compensate for aging,         temperature rise and other degradation effects of the laser         without interrupting the flow of information transmitted.     -   6. A circuit and method that compensates for aging, temperature         rise and other degradation effects of a laser only as needed at         any point in time rather than at the beginning when power is         turned on or at the factory.     -   7. A process that automatically maximizes the magnitude of the         photodiode power sensor signal for a laser.     -   8. A circuit to capture a sense the laser output where the         sensing is coordinated with the transmission signal.     -   9. A circuit as in 8, where the associated timing of the circuit         is automatically optimized.

Consequently, while the foregoing description has described the principle and operation of the present invention in accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, it should be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise as illustrated and described above and that various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as on the details of the illustrated method of operation may be made, within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1-8. (canceled)
 9. A laser control system comprising: a laser module for producing a laser output signal from a received laser input signal; an output signal sampler for storing samples of the output signal; a digital controller for predicting laser output performance by correlating the stored output signal samples to a real time input signal; and, a laser driver for controlling the laser by adjusting the strength of the real time input signal based on the predicted output performance.
 10. A method for laser control during continuous transmission of a laser output signal comprising: driving a laser with a continuous laser input signal to produce a continuous laser output signal, wherein the input and output signals are unmodified by the insertion of calibration information; measuring the laser output signal; producing and storing samples of the measured output signal; calculating the strength of the output signal by applying a mathematical algorithm to the stored samples that correlate the output signal strength to a real time input signal strength; and; controlling the laser by adjusting the strength of the real time input signal based on the strength of the stored output signal.
 11. An apparatus for laser control during continuous transmission of a laser output signal comprising: a laser driver for driving a laser with a continuous laser input signal to produce a continuous laser output signal, wherein the input and output signals are unmodified by the insertion of calibration information; a photodiode sensor for measuring the laser output signal; a sample and hold amplifier for producing and storing samples of the measured output signal; and, a digital controller for calculating the strength of the output signal by applying a mathematical algorithm to the stored samples that correlate the output signal strength to a real time input signal strength, and for controlling the laser by causing the laser driver to adjust the strength of the real time input signal based on the strength of the stored output signal.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the digital controller comprises an analog to digital converter for converting analog output signal samples to digital output signal samples.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a synchronizer circuit for coupling the sample and hold amplifier to the digital controller.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the digital controller performs the mathematical algorithm utilizing photodiode sensor exponential rise and decay measurement information.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the digital controller performs the mathematical algorithm utilizing photodiode sensor square wave response measurement information.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the digital controller performs the mathematical algorithm utilizing photodiode sensor average signal output measurement information.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the digital controller performs the mathematical algorithm utilizing information related to a sequence of values of the input signal and correlates those values to the photodiode measurement information.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the digital controller causes adjustments to a laser driver bias current.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the digital controller causes adjustments to a laser driver modulation current.
 20. A laser output measurement circuit comprising: a photodiode sensor for sensing a laser output signal; and, an output signal sampler circuit having a sample and hold amplifier for measuring and storing the laser output signal.
 21. The laser output measurement circuit of claim 20 further comprising synchronizer and delay circuit.
 22. The laser output measurement circuit of claim 20 further comprising an analog to digital converter.
 23. A method for sampling a laser output signal comprising: applying a laser drive signal to a laser driver to produce a light output; coupling a portion of the light output to a photodiode sensor to produce a current; using a transimpedance amplifier to convert the current to a voltage; driving a sample and hold amplifier with the voltage to produce analog samples of the light output; and, storing the analog samples in a capacitor.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the analog samples are converted to digital samples.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein the capacitor is chosen so that the storing of the samples is performed at high speed while the capacitor concurrently maintains the value of the sample during an analog to digital conversion.
 26. The method of claim 23 wherein the transimpedance amplifier and the sample and hold amplifier are designed such that they will be faster than the photodiode sensor.
 27. The method of claim 23 wherein a timing synchronization circuit is used to control the sampling of the laser output signal such that the samples are captured at a predictable time in order to anticipate the state of the laser drive signal.
 28. An apparatus for sampling a laser output signal comprising: A laser driver for applying a laser drive signal to a laser driver to produce a light output; photodiode sensor to produce a current relative to the light output; a transimpedance amplifier for converting the current to a voltage; a sample and hold amplifier for producing analog samples of the light output from the voltage; and, a capacitor for storing the analog samples.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising an analog to digital converter for converting the analog samples to digital samples.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the capacitor is chosen so that the storing of the samples is performed at high speed while the capacitor concurrently maintains the value of the sample during an analog to digital conversion.
 31. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the transimpedance amplifier and the sample and hold amplifier are designed such that they will be faster than the photodiode sensor.
 32. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a timing synchronization circuit for controlling the sampling of the laser output signal such that the samples are captured at a predictable time in order to anticipate the state of the laser drive signal and the light output.
 33. A method for synchronizing capture of laser output samples comprising: buffering an analog laser drive signal; delaying the buffered signal to produce a set of delayed analog drive signals from the buffered drive signal; selecting a particular delayed analog signal from the set of delayed analog signals; capturing the selected signal in a sample and hold amplifier to produce a delayed analog signal sample; placing the sample and hold amplifier in a hold mode during an analog to digital conversion of the delayed analog signal sample; converting the delayed analog signal sample to a digital signal sample; and, resetting the sample and hold amplifier for a next sample capturing cycle.
 34. An circuit for synchronizing capture of laser output samples comprising: a buffer for buffering an analog laser drive signal; a set of signal propagation delays for producing a set of delayed analog drive signals from the buffered drive signal; a digital multiplexer for selecting a particular delayed analog signal from the set of delayed analog signals; a sample and hold amplifier for capturing the selected signal to produce a delayed analog signal sample; a set reset latch for causing a sample and hold controller to place the sample and hold amplifier in a hold mode during an analog to digital conversion of the delayed signal, and to reset the sample and hold amplifier for a next sample capturing cycle; and, an analog to digital converter for converting the delayed analog signal sample to a digital signal sample.
 35. A method for calibrating laser output power comprising: generating a serial digital data signal transition D_(i) at a laser driver input causing a transition in a laser output power P_(L), which occurs after a time delay t_(drive) corresponding to a delay of the signal flowing through the laser driver and laser added to a time for the laser to change logical states; setting a bias current to a value that places P_(L) slightly above a predetermined threshold; sensing a photodiode sample hold response voltage V_(PS) after a time delay T_(sense) corresponding to photodiode sensor and transimpedance amplifier response times; capturing a maximum value of V_(peak) at a sample and hold amplifier after a time delay of T_(synch) from the transition of the serial data signal D_(i) corresponding to a sample and hold control transition time from a sample mode to a hold mode; calibrating a laser signal modulation current in response to V_(peak).
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the bias current is adjusted independently from a signal modulation current.
 37. A method of initializing a laser controller system for optimal signal strength comprising: maximizing a peak voltage of a laser output sensor by selecting from a plurality of laser signal timing delays a timing delay that produces a peak sensor voltage value; and, storing the selected timing delay in non-volatile memory.
 38. The method of claim 37 wherein the signal strength optimization is performed in a factory setting.
 39. The method of claim 37 wherein the signal strength optimization is performed in a field setting.
 40. The method of claim 33 further comprising: opening a first switch to disconnect a laser drive signal from a laser driver; concurrently closing a second switch to connect a known test pulse signal to the laser driver; and, calibrating timing for output signal sampling using the known test pulse signal.
 41. The method of claim 33 further comprising: opening a first switch to disconnect a laser drive signal from a laser driver; concurrently closing a second switch to connect a known test pulse signal to the laser driver; and, calibrating an extinction ratio using the known test pulse signal.
 42. The circuit of claim 34 further comprising: a first switch fQr disconnecting a laser drive signal from a laser driver; and, a second switch for connecting a known test pulse signal to the laser driver.
 43. A method of continuous laser performance compensation comprising: transmitting information over an optical communications link; capturing and storing the transmitted information; collecting photodiode sensor information from the transmitted information; applying a mathematical algorithm to correlate the transmitted information with the photodiode sensor information; and, adjusting a laser for performance compensation based on the results of the mathematical correlation algorithm.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein the mathematical algorithm correlates the peak voltage of an exponential rise and decay of a photodiode sensor circuit with a maximum power amplitude of a laser power output generated by the transmitted information.
 45. The method of claim 44 wherein the exponential rise and decay of the photo sensing circuit varies linearly with respect to the maximum power amplitude.
 46. The method of claim 44 wherein the mathematical algorithm optimizes an extinction ratio.
 47. The method of claim 44 wherein the mathematical algorithm minimizes a bit error rate.
 48. A method for calibrating a photodiode sensor circuit comprising: maximizing the amplitude of a photodiode sensor output signal; applying a continuous stream of logical data ones to the photodiode sensor input; sequencing through a plurality of signal delays and measuring the output signal associated with each delay; selecting a signal delay from the plurality of delays that is associated with the strongest output signal; applying a continuous stream of logical data zeros to the photodiode sensor input; measuring a laser output power to produce a zero transmission laser power value; measuring the photodiode sensor output power to produce a baseline zero transmission sensor power value; applying a continuous stream of logical data ones to the photodiode sensor input while measuring the laser and sensor out power; continually adjust the laser power until a maximum possible value of laser output power is reached; measuring the photodiode sensor output value associated with the maximum laser power value; and, storing the photodiode sensor output value associated with the maximum laser power value in non-volatile memory.
 49. The method of claim 48 wherein a linear interpolation of the values of the sensor between the applied continuous logical data ones and the applied continuous logical data zeros determine the measured output laser power and are utilized to optimize laser performance in a continuous manner while an optical communications system is operational. 